Celebrating 40 Years at Walkers' Britain

Trina Willis joined what was back then Sherpa Expeditions on 2nd January 1985… and never left! 
 
If you’ve ever booked a trip with us, chances are you’ve met Trina - and recently we had the honour of celebrating her 40th anniversary with Walkers' Britain! The whole team gathered from near and far to mark the occasion with pizza, drinks, and a special gift—a brand-new wine rack (plus a year’s supply of wine to fill it).
 
Trina's Anniversary
 

How did you start working with Walkers' Britain? 

I applied after seeing a job advertised in the paper for £3000 (approx. $3700), which at that point felt like a good salary for what would be my first full-time position! 

My job had mainly to do with brochure requests and posting trip dossiers to clients. It was a very different world back then – using the fax machine was one of the most exciting aspects of my job!
 

What are your earliest memories of the company?

Working for a travel company was a brand-new world for me. Back then we were offering many guided trips in long haul destinations, from Venezuela to Nepal, which all sounded very fascinating and mysterious.

We were a team of six when I joined the company, all of us of a similar age, and although the job in itself was demanding at times (communication with other parts of the world was not as easy as it is nowadays!) we got on really well between us and that made things easier.
 
Oh, and the office – it was based in a converted old bakery! 
 

How has the company changed over the years?

The company has evolved along with our client’s expectations – which is probably why we are still in business and so successful after 50 years. A lot of it has to do with the level of comfort they expect. 
 
When we launched our self-guided walking holidays in the UK it was a completely new idea for the industry but, for us, it really was a natural progression of how we were seeing our clients wanting to travel.
 

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love talking to our clients. Going on holiday is always exciting so whether it’s their first time with us or the umpteenth – we have many repeat clients who book with us time and time again – I love that I am part of the whole process, before, during and after their trip.

Some people are very appreciative and will send us a bottle of champagne after their holiday as a ‘thank you’, while there are overseas clients who will always come to visit us at the office when they are in the UK.

But it’s similar with our hoteliers and other suppliers too, as we have worked with the same people for many years. It’s really relationships like these that I value the most.
 
Trina's Anniversary
 

Do you have any tips for your most popular trips?

Coast to Coast is by far our busiest trip and I always recommend to people that they add an extra night at Richmond. It’s a traditional market town with a charming castle and some very scenic waterfalls so it’s well worth spending some extra time. 

Cornwall is another favourite destination for our clients. It has featured in many popular TV series such as Poldark and Doc Martin and, especially for travellers coming from other countries, it is what they expect and want to experience when they are in England. There are many side trips they can take and I am always happy to give them suggestions.
 

Which trip would you describe as a hidden gem?

I am always surprised that St Cuthberts Way hasn’t become more popular. 

I believe many people may be put off by the name, thinking that it is a pilgrim trail with many religious references. But the truth is that it’s a beautiful itinerary on the borders of England with Scotland so you get the best of both worlds and some villages that are just too pretty for words!
 

Which trip do you have fond memories of?

We used to offer a two-week trip in Greece called Peaks of Pindos. It included what is now our Zagoria Villages trip but it would also continue to places such as Meteora, which is truly stunning, and finished with two days on the beach.
 
It was one of the first trips I did after I joined the company and it was absolutely magical.
 
Trina walking British trails in the United Kingdom |  Trina Willis

If you had one piece of advice what would that be?

When travelling sometimes things don’t go according to plan but don’t lose your sense of adventure. You are on holiday (or vacation!) after all, so enjoy and make the most of it!
 
Trina’s journey with Walkers’ Britain is a testament to the joy and passion behind creating unforgettable walking holidays in the United Kingdom and Europe. Whether it’s the iconic Coast to Coast, the charm of Cornwall, or the hidden beauty of St. Cuthbert’s Way, we take pride in offering the finest walking experiences across the UK.

With decades of expertise and a commitment to quality, we ensure every step of your journey is memorable—whether you're a seasoned adventurer or planning your first trip.

Start your next adventure today and discover the trails that make Britain a walker’s paradise.
Staff, News

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